Focus on Jobs!

We understand Governor Mark Dayton was to celebrate the grand opening of the business Endeavor Air today, but a health problem kept him away. On a personal level we wish him well, but when he is back on his feet we encourage him to also concern himself with the loss of another Minnesota business.

Navarre Corp announced it is pulling up their Minnesota roots and moving to tax-friendly Texas. The move means 150 Minnesota families will be scrambling for employment in an already tough job market.

Today’s announcement brings back painful memories of another Minnesota company that chose to expand in Texas – 3M. We like to brag about our high ranking in Fortune 500 companies, but when is the last time a Fortune 500 company started here or relocated here?

After his ribbon cutting duties are finished, Gov. Dayton should immediately track down a Navarre executive and conduct an exit interview to find out exactly why they are moving.

Did their accountants run the numbers on the impending tax increases due to kick in next week and decide the Texas business climate was more favorable?

Do they have warehousing costs that will soon be subject to a new tax that does not exist in Texas?

Are they concerned about the increasing energy costs that will hit every home and business because of the new costly mandates passed by the 2013 Democratic legislature?

Do they simply no longer feel welcome to grow their business in Minnesota after listening to the drumbeat of negativity toward business coming from Dayton’s office?

Whatever the reasons, Mark Dayton himself needs to find out why this important Minnesota company is heading to Texas with 150 good paying Minnesota jobs.